Talk about Clyde: Area storm results in cleanup, delays

Although Clyde fared better than surrounding communities, most of Clyde lost electricity for a few hours. I was one of the luckier ones, only being without electricity for almost five hours. Stranded at home that short time without being able to use technology to communicate with the outside world was stressful.

After the storm passed, I found the outside damage was negligible - a big tree branch blown down in the backyard and a young tree downed near the property line. Later, a friend and I had an errand to do. Most of the traffic lights were not working, but driving west on McPherson Highway, we saw the traffic lights at Woodland Avenue and McPherson Highway seemed to be fine.

Returning from our errand, we decided to get a sandwich at one of the fast food restaurants west of Woodland Avenue: either Arby's, McDonald's or Wendy's. It was an experience to be remembered. Evidently, the whole community was without electricity and decided to go out to eat. All drive-through lanes were backed up to the highway. We chose the shortest line and eventually got our order. We commend those employees who were still courteous during all of the unexpected chaos, and thankful their food inventory was able to serve the community.

A family member drove around Fremont to survey the damages and found the same long lines at any restaurant that had electricity.

A drive around Clyde on Sunday evening still found brush piles at the curbs in every street, and the occasional uprooted tree or a partial tree lying in a yard.

A portion of Race Street was still blocked off halfway between West Maple Street and Limerick Road.

Bloodmobile at St. Mary's

A Red Cross Bloodmobile is from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in its air-conditioned hall, 609 Vine St.

It is co-sponsored by St. Paul Lutheran and St. Mary's Catholic churches. The goal is to collect at least 75 units of blood because the need is critical during the summer months.

To schedule an appointment, call the Red Cross at 800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: STMARYCLYDE. Cookies and ice cream will be served to all donors.

Family Program series continues

The Family Program Series at the Clyde Museum, "The Creative Side of Clyde," continues from 2 to 3 p.m. Thursday. The focus will be on musical arts. Music brings people together for important events and for fun. Attendees are invited to enter a drawing for a 2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame T-shirt.

Activities include joining in a kitchen band or making a simple instrument from materials supplied. Those with a musical instrument or a favorite music-related souvenir are encouraged to bring it along to share a tune or two.

Museum displays include an old Edison phonograph, Gene Autry Fan Club items, sheet music and music books, records and school band memorabilia.

The program is free and sponsored by the Clyde Heritage League. Registration is appreciated by calling the museum at 419-547-7946 or emailing clydeheritageleague@yahoo.com with the name and number or people attending.

The museum is at 124 W. Buckeye St. (across from the post office) and is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursdays and at other times by appointment.

Mosquito spraying on Tuesdays

The city of Clyde sprays for mosquitoes at early dusk every Tuesday. Those with respiratory problems and small children are advised to stay indoors.

To ensure maximum coverage and benefit to all areas being sprayed, the city of Clyde requests all pedestrians, joggers and children at play leave the area before the approach of the sprayer and stay away from the area sprayed for at least 15 minutes.

Community garage sale

The annual Clyde Community Garage Sales will be July 26 and 27.

According to city code, each household is entitled to no more than three garage sales per calendar year. A zoning permit is required for each garage sale and can be purchased for $1 at the city finance office, 225 N. Main St.